Fans of the iconic sci-fi show have been debating the identity of Peter Capaldi’s replacement since the start of the year, when the 59-year-old confirmed he would be stepping down from the role.

Actors and actresses including Tom Rosenthal, David Harewood, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Jodie Whittaker have been widely tipped as possible successors for the role, which will be officially revealed on BBC One following today’s men’s singles Wimbledon final.

But The Mirror reports former My Family star Marshall, who grew up in Wiltshire, lives in Bath and went to the Wells Cathedral School, has already been chosen as the 13th doctor.

Kris Marshall has emerged as the hot favourite to be the new Doctor Who

A show insider said: “Kris Marshall has already joined the cast and will regenerate at the end of this series, not in the Christmas special.

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“It’s bye bye,” he said. “Doctor Who is a great job but it is TV factory with so many episodes and I would worry that I wouldn't do my best work with the same vigour and fun.

"I've left it while I am still enjoying it. Three years is probably enough because people get wiped out by it."

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Marshall was once knocked down in Bristol and nearly died. He was run over while out on a friend's stag party back in 2008 and received extensive treatment for a collapsed lung, damaged hip and a laceration to his head at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Who do you think should replace Peter Capaldi? Do you think Kris Marshall would play the role well? Have your say in the comments section below.